31/01/2025

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FRIDAY | JAN 31, 2025

Exabytes declares 2025 as ‘AI Adoption Year’ o Cloud and digital solutions provider to integrate artificial intelligence into 25% of its workload

completed now. We’ve completed the groundwork and are now preparing to assemble the steel structure. By the first quarter of 2025, we expect the site to be ready.” Going forward, Chua said, managing working capital will be a challenge as Winstar accelerates its growth. He highlighted the company will need additional funds to sustain its cash cycle and support expansion. “Working capital is quite challenging, especially as we look ahead. For example, last year we achieved RM200 million in revenue. This year, with a 50% growth, we’re expecting around RM300 million, which represents a RM100 million increase. “Dividing that by 12 months, we’re looking at roughly RM8 million in sales per month. With a cash cycle of 155 days (around five months), this means we need RM40 million to sustain just one cash cycle.” Despite these challenges, Chua is optimistic about the company’s future. “With over 3,000 customers now (up from 1,000 prelisting), we have established a strong presence.” MAHB to be delisted, last day of trading on Feb 19 KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) will be delisted from the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia as its minimum public shareholding spread is now less than 25%. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia on Tuesday, the airport operator said the shortfall in the public shareholding spread arose as a direct consequence of the offer and the shortfall is expected to increase further as a result of additional valid acceptances under the offer until it is closed for acceptances on Feb 12. “As of 5pm on Tuesday, the total MAHB shares held by the joint offerors and the joint ultimate offerors, including MAHB shares transferred to the joint offerors but pending receipt of the acceptance document – which are subject to verification – constitute 95.11% of the total issued shares of MAHB,” it said. Meanwhile, Gateway Development Alliance Sdn Bhd (GDA) and its shareholders (consortium), in a statement, said they will now take steps to delist MAHB from the official list of Bursa Malaysia and the last day that MAHB shares will trade publicly is Feb 19. In addition, the consortium will take steps to compulsorily acquire all the remaining shares in MAHB that it does not own after the final close of the offer period in accordance with Section 222 of the Capital Markets and Services Act 2007. “The consortium looks forward to working closely with MAHB to realise its potential to become a world-class airport operator that is competitive, efficient, commercial and service focused. “GDA recognises that MAHB needs investment in its infrastructure and improvements in its operations to provide better services and support expansion, both of which will benefit wider Malaysia,” it said. It also emphasised that MAHB is a strategic Malaysian asset and will remain majority-owned by Malaysian investors through UEM Group Bhd, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Khazanah Nasional Bhd and the Employees Provident Fund, which together have a 70% interest in GDA. In a separate statement, AmInvestment Bank Bhd, on behalf of the joint offerors, said Bursa Securities will suspend the trading of MAHB’s securities from Feb 20, being the expiry of five market days from the Final Extended Closing Date, which is Feb 12. – Bernama

tomer support.” Chan remarked that Exabytes’ bold move is expected to set a precedent for other Malaysian businesses, encouraging industry wide adoption of AI. “We set our vision to collaborate with partners, clients, and stakeholders to share best practices and accelerate AI integration in various sectors,” he said. In a broader context, Chan pointed out that Exabytes’ initiative aligns with Malaysia’s ambition to establish itself as a regional leader in digital transform ation, and said the government’s

Ű BY AIMIE SHAZRIE sunbiz@thesundaily.com

personalised support, we seek to enable SMEs, startups and enterprises to achieve greater efficiency, scalability, and innovation. This initiative underscores Exabytes’ role as a catalyst for digital transformation, parti cularly within the SME sector, which forms the backbone of Malaysia’s economy,” he added. While the company remains

PETALING JAYA: Cloud and digital solutions provider Exabytes Network Sdn Bhd has declared 2025 as its official “AI Adoption Year”, announcing plans to incorporate artificial intelligence in 25% of its operational workload. CEO Chan Kee Siak said the strategic initiative aims to enhance efficiency, streamline processes and deliver cutting edge solutions to its clients. “The announcement reflects Exabytes’ commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements, aligning with global trends where businesses increasingly adopt AI to drive growth and innovation. The company sees AI as a pivotal tool for improving decision-making, enhancing customer experiences, and optimising resource utilisation,” he told SunBiz . Chan said the shift to AI will involve integrating machine learning, natural language processing and predictive analytics into various business operations. “We plan to automate repetitive tasks, improve operational accuracy, and unlock new capabilities across its service offerings.” He expressed confidence that the adoption of AI will not only enhance operational efficiency but also enable employees to focus on more strategic and creative roles. “Our goal is to empower our teams with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.” Chan disclosed that Exabytes aims to empower one million businesses globally by leveraging AI-driven solutions, as part of its broader vision. “By providing enhanced digital tools and

push for Industry 4.0 and AI driven technologies complements the company’s efforts to embrace innovation. With a clear vision for 2025, Chan said, Exabytes is positioning itself as a key player in driving AI adoption within Malaysia’s digital economy. “By integrating AI into 25% of its workload, the company aims to enhance its competitive edge, deliver value to its stake

optimistic about its AI trans formation, Chan said, Exabytes acknowledges the challenges of implementing such advanced technologies. “These include the need for workforce up skilling, potential cybersecurity risks, and managing data privacy concerns. It is investing in training programmes to equip its workforce with AI-related skills and knowledge,” he noted. Chan said Exa bytes is com

holders, and set a benchmark for the industry. “As businesses globally accelerate their AI adoption plans, the proactive approach of Exa bytes underscores the transformative potential of AI and its role in shaping the future of work and technology,” he added. Chan says Exabytes is committed to staying at the forefront of technological advancements.

mitted to lever aging AI to pro vide more per sonalised and efficient ser vices to its clients. “For example, the company envisions using AI to offer en hanced data analytics, predic

tive maintenance for cloud services, and 24/7 AI-driven cus

Ű BY HAYATUN RAZAK sunbiz@thesundaily.com Winstar Capital aims to become RM1b revenue company within 5 years

consistently supplying materials for these types of projects.” Chua said both the solar and building material industries are key focus areas for Winstar this year. “With our confidence in these two sectors, we expect our year-to-year growth to surpass last year’s results.” Winstar Capital, listed on the ACE Market on Nov 26, 2024, specialises in aluminium extrusion, building materials trading, and solar PV system installation. The company aims to complete the installation of two new aluminium extrusion lines by the second quarter of 2025, with two additional lines operational by mid-2026. In 2023, Winstar acquired an additional three acres of leasehold land in Ijok, Selangor (Lot 904), adjacent to Lot 903, for future expansion. However, Winstar is focusing on Lot 903 for expansion. Construction works for a new manufacturing facility on Lot 903 commenced last year. Chua said the development of Lot 903, which can accommodate up to eight extrusion lines, is progressing on schedule. “Around 60%

“With government renewable energy initiatives and higher electricity tariffs driving demand, I think the solar PV mounting structure and installation will grow significantly. Overall, for our business, this will account for at least 20% to 30% of revenue going forward,“ he said. Chua explained that the low base effect will amplify growth, alongside the growing demand driven by government renewable energy

KUALA LUMPUR: Winstar Capital Bhd is targeting revenue of RM1 billion within five years, a fivefold increase from about RM200 million in 2024, with growth driven by expansion of manufacturing facilities and increased production capacity, CEO Vincent Chua Boon Hong ( pic ) said. “We expect the annual growth to

initiatives, such as Fifth Large Scale Solar (LSS5) projects, increased adoption of low-carbon scoring among factories, higher electricity tariffs prompting greater interest in solar energy. “In terms of the solar industry, this year looks promising with several projects, such as LSS5, on the horizon.” Also, the construction sector is bouncing back, with many developments under way, including residential and industrial projects, as well as data centres, Chua said. “These building materials will indirectly benefit us, as we are

accelerate from 40% prelisting to 50-60% post listing fuelled by strong market demand. Our listing has enhanced transparency and trust that positions us to secure more market opportunities,“ he told SunBiz in an interview. For the first nine months of the financial year 2024, Winstar’s total revenue was RM147.92 million. If extrapolated for 12 months, the full year 2024 revenue will be RM197.23 million. Chua said its solar photovoltaic (PV) segment, currently contributing 7% to revenue, is poised for substantial growth.